Blinken’s Middle East Mission for Ceasefire and Regional Peace

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a trip next week that involves meeting regional partners in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing efforts by Israel and Hamas towards reaching a ceasefire agreement, which has remained elusive despite months-long talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt. According to the spokesperson for the US Department of State Matthew Miller’s statement released over the weekend, Blinken will discuss with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia how it is that Hamas continues to hinder a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestine as they seek the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Secretary will also emphasize the importance of preventing further conflict spreading out while simultaneously pushing for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, which could ultimately result in an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes after his previous meeting last month alongside Mohammed bin Salman – the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabi – held in Jeddah regarding negotiations concerning hostages taken by Hamas. CNN reported on Friday that it is possible that a framework aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be rolled out concurrently with an offer for two-state solutions, provided both sides come to terms about the conflict in Gaza and Palestinian issues are resolved satisfactorily beforehand. However, US officials previously claimed any progress concerning securing ceasefire conditions needed prior resolution compared to future regional proposals regarding a potential Israel – Saudi Arabia normalization or peace proposal with Palestine.